A Journey Through the Heart of the European Union: My EUVP Experience

The European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP) is more than just a professional visit; it is an immersion into the beating heart of European governance, law, and diplomacy. From 24 February to 1 March 2025, I had the privilege of stepping into this world, gaining firsthand experience of how the EU functions, engages with candidate countries, and upholds its core principles of democracy and the rule of law. As an Associate Professor of Comparative and European Law at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, my work revolves around EU law, Ukraine’s accession to the EU, and institutional reforms. My home institution, the Educational and Research Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, serves as the primary centre for training new specialists in Ukraine’s accession to the EU, making my participation in the EUVP a crucial step in strengthening academic and professional ties with EU institutions.

From the moment I arrived in Brussels, the pace was exhilarating. My agenda took me through the corridors of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Council of the EU, the European External Action Service (EEAS), and, most memorably, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Luxembourg. Each institution opened its doors, offering insights into the complexities of EU governance and the legal and political mechanisms that bind its member states together.

Among the most illuminating discussions were those with representatives from the Cabinets of the Commissioners for Enlargement and for Justice and Rule of Law at the European Commission. These exchanges provided a clearer picture of Ukraine’s accession roadmap, the benchmarks for legal alignment, and the institutional transformations necessary for full membership. Witnessing firsthand how the EU monitors and assesses the rule of law in candidate states strengthened my understanding of the challenges ahead for Ukraine.

One of the defining moments of my visit was my time at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg. Sitting in on a hearing, I observed the precision and depth with which the Court ensures the uniform application of EU law. My meetings with the President of the CJEU, a judge, the members of the bureau of an advocate general, and several référendaires left lasting impressions, reinforcing my admiration for the EU’s legal system. The discussions went beyond theory, touching on real legal cases, procedural nuances, and judicial philosophies that shape the EU's legal order. This experience ignited a personal ambition—to one day contribute to the Court’s work and to the continuous development of European legal standards.

Beyond deepening my knowledge, the visit also led to concrete initiatives. A key outcome was continuing a new academic collaboration between the CJEU and the Educational and Research Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. As part of this initiative, CJEU judges, General Advocates, and référendaires will engage with our students, delivering guest lectures and sharing insights into the practical workings of EU law. I firmly believe that bridging the gap between academic legal studies and the real-world functioning of EU institutions is crucial for the next generation of legal professionals in Ukraine.

My journey through the EU institutions has not ended with this visit. The connections I have made, the insights I have gained, and the inspiration I have drawn from this experience will continue to shape my academic and professional work. I am more committed than ever to supporting Ukraine’s accession to the EU, promoting judicial reforms, and fostering legal education that aligns with EU standards. Moreover, I am open to collaborative research initiatives on EU integration, enlargement, and legal harmonization—critical topics that will define the future of Europe.

I am deeply grateful to the EUVP team, my interlocutors in Brussels and Luxembourg, and all those who made this experience transformative. This is not just a reflection on the past; it is the beginning of new collaborations, new research, and new ambitions. The road to Ukraine’s EU membership is long, but it is a journey worth taking—and I am honoured to be part of it.